Tag: S.J. Kincaid
Weekly Cover Reveal Recap | June 12 – June 18
Hey guys!
Here are the covers that were revealed during the week of June 12 – June 18. Click the author to hop on over to their GoodReads page to add it to you’re TBR!
This was a big week for reveals. Hope ya’ll enjoy.
FANTASY
Between the Blade and the Heart by Amanda Hocking(Valkyrie #1)
Published by Wednesday Books
January 2nd 2018
Valkyries have one great responsibility: to return immortals to the afterlife by slaying them. As a Valkyrie, Malin has always known that the balance of the world rests on her ability to carry out orders. But when Malin discovers that her mother spared the life of an immortal who was destined to die, her world is thrown into chaos.
Malin not only wrestles with the knowledge that her mother might not be who she thought—she’s also thrust into the path of a gorgeous blue eyed guy named Asher who needs her help slaying the rogue immortal who destroyed his family. The balance of the world is at stake. And, as Asher competes with Malin’s ex for her love and loyalty, so is her heart.
Rosemarked by Livia Blackburne
Published by Disney-Hyperion
November 7th 2017
A healer who cannot be healed . . .
When Zivah falls prey to the deadly rose plague, she knows it’s only a matter of time before she fully succumbs. Now she’s destined to live her last days in isolation, cut off from her people and unable to practice her art—until a threat to her village creates a need that only she can fill.
A soldier shattered by war . . .
Broken by torture at the hands of the Amparan Empire, Dineas thirsts for revenge against his captors. Now escaped and reunited with his tribe, he’ll do anything to free them from Amparan rule—even if it means undertaking a plan that risks not only his life but his very self.
Thrust together on a high-stakes mission to spy on the capital, the two couldn’t be more different: Zivah, deeply committed to her vow of healing, and Dineas, yearning for vengeance. But as they grow closer, they must find common ground to protect those they love. And amidst the constant fear of discovery, the two grapple with a mutual attraction that could break both of their carefully guarded hearts.
SCI-FI
The Empress by S.J. Kincaid (The Diabolic #2)
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
October 31st 2017
It’s a new day in the Empire. Tyrus has ascended to the throne with Nemesis by his side and now they can find a new way forward—one where they don’t have to hide or scheme or kill. One where creatures like Nemesis will be given worth and recognition, where science and information can be shared with everyone and not just the elite.
But having power isn’t the same thing as keeping it, and change isn’t always welcome. The ruling class, the Grandiloquy, has held control over planets and systems for centuries—and they are plotting to stop this teenage Emperor and Nemesis, who is considered nothing more than a creature and certainly not worthy of being Empress.
Nemesis will protect Tyrus at any cost. He is the love of her life, and they are partners in this new beginning. But she cannot protect him by being the killing machine she once was. She will have to prove the humanity that she’s found inside herself to the whole Empire—or she and Tyrus may lose more than just the throne. But if proving her humanity means that she and Tyrus must do inhuman things, is the fight worth the cost of winning it?
CONTEMPORARY
Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett
Published by Simon Pulse
April 3rd 2018
Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern day, Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets.
But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together.
What could go wrong?
With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely.
And as the two travel deeper into Northern California’s rugged backcountry, secrets and hidden feelings surface. But can Zorie and Lennon’s rekindled connection survive out in the real world? Or was it just a result of the fresh forest air and the magic of the twinkling stars?
You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Published by Simon Pulse
January 2nd 2018
Eighteen-year-old twins Adina and Tovah have little in common besides their ambitious nature. Viola prodigy Adina yearns to become a soloist—and to convince her music teacher he wants her the way she wants him. Overachiever Tovah awaits her acceptance to Johns Hopkins, the first step on her path toward med school and a career as a surgeon.
But one thing could wreck their carefully planned futures: a genetic test for Huntington’s, a rare degenerative disease that slowly steals control of the body and mind. It’s turned their Israeli mother into a near stranger and fractured the sisters’ own bond in ways they’ll never admit. While Tovah finds comfort in their Jewish religion, Adina rebels against its rules.
When the results come in, one twin tests negative for Huntington’s. The other tests positive.
These opposite outcomes push them farther apart as they wrestle with guilt, betrayal, and the unexpected thrill of first love. How can they repair their relationship, and is it even worth saving?
Everywhere You Want to Be by Christina June
Published by HarperCollins
May 1st 2018
Matilda Castillo has always followed the rules, but when she gets injured senior year, she’s sure her dreams of becoming a contemporary dancer have slipped away. So when Tilly gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend the summer with a New York dance troupe, nothing can stop her from saying yes—not her mother, not her fears of the big city, and not the commitment she made to Georgetown. Tilly’s mother allows her to go on two conditions: one, Tilly will regularly visit her abuela in New Jersey, and two, after the summer, she’ll give up dancing and go off to college.
Armed with her red vintage sunglasses and her pros and cons lists, Tilly strikes out, determined to turn a summer job into a career—and figure out how to break it to her mother later. Along the way she meets new friends … and new enemies. Tilly isn’t the only one desperate to dance, and fellow troupe member Sabrina Wolfrik intends to succeed at any cost. But despite dodging sabotage and blackmail attempts from Sabrina, Tilly can’t help but fall in love with the city, especially since Paolo, a handsome musician from her past, is also calling New York home for the summer.
As the weeks wind down and the competition with Sabrina heats up, Tilly’s future is on the line. She must decide whether to follow her mother’s path to Georgetown or leap into the unknown to pursue her own dreams.
MYSTERY
The Window by Amelia Brunskill
Published by Delacorte
April 3rd 2018
Anna is everything her identical twin, Jess, is not. The same on the outside, yet so completely different inside—it’s hard to believe that the girls are even sisters, let alone twins. But they are. And they tell each other everything.
Or so Jess thought.
After Anna falls to her death while sneaking out her bedroom window, Jess’s life begins to unravel. Everyone says Anna’s death was a tragic accident, but to Jess, that doesn’t add up. Where was Anna going? Who was she meeting? And how long had Anna been lying to her?
And as Jess digs deeper, she learns that the answers she’s looking for may contain dark truths that no one else wants her to find.
COVER REVEALS WITHOUT SYNOPSIS
Inferno by Julie Kagawa (Talon #5) – April 24th 2018
Are you looking forward to any of these books? Let me know in the comments below! Stay tuned for next weeks cover reveals!
Until next time,
November 2016 Wrap Up!
Hey guys!
This month sure did zoom past us. It definitely felt that way to me at least. As Christmas fast approaches, so does the mall craziness (a.k.a my job). My stress levels are at an all time high this time of year.
Not only did I get strep throat earlier this month, but I’ve also not been able to go to the gym as much as I want! But on the good news side of things, the lovely Jenna from Reading with Jenna came to visit Toronto! It was such a fun week spending it with her. I took her to a lot of bookstores, and we definitely ate our way through the city! We also took time and watched Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them with Joey from Thoughts and Afterthoughts. Finally we had a board game night with Joey and Maria from Big City Bookworm. It was definitely the highlight of my November!
Phew…. boy am I exhausted! So let’s get to how well I did in books!
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon – November 2nd, 2016
Paper Princess by Erin Watt – November 9th, 2016
Fate of Flames by Sarah Raughley – November 9th, 2016
Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris – November 12th, 2016
Three Truths and a Lie by Brent Hartinger – November 16th, 2016
Dead Girls Society by Michelle Krys – November 23rd, 2016
Thanks A Lot, John LeClair by Johanna Parkhurst – November 28th, 2016
Crimson Dagger by Morgan Rhodes – November 29th, 2016
Obsidian Blade by Morgan Rhodes – November 30th, 2016
Only 7 novels + 2 novellas this month!
Other books I’ve started:
The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid – 4/5
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena – 3/5
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon – 5/5
Fate of Flames by Sarah Raughley – 4/5
(Click the links to read the reviews)
Reviews Coming in December:
Waiting On Wednesday
Crystal Storm – November 2nd, 2016
Windwitch – November 9th, 2016
Roseblood – November 16th, 2016
History is All You Left Me – November 23rd, 2016
Frostblood – November 30th, 2016
Top 10 Tuesday
Recent Adds to my TBR – November 8th, 2016
Holiday Gift Guide: Humor – November 29th, 2016
November Awards
N/A
November Achievements
700 Blog Followers – November 2016
28,500 Blog Views – November 2016
11,500 Blog Visitors – November 2016
Beauty and the Beast Tag – November 20th, 2016
N/A
November 7th to November 13th – BIG REVEAL: Wonder Woman Warbringer
November 14th to 20th – BIG REVEAL: Lord of Shadows
November 21st to November 27th
And that was November. I did more reading this month than in the past couple of months, so as always, thank you guys for spending it with me! See you guys in December!
Until next time,
The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid | REVIEW
The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers on November 1st 2016
Genres: Young Adult, Sci-Fi, Space Opera
Pages: 416
Format: ARC
LINKS: Good Reads | Amazon | Indigo | Book Depository
A Diabolic is ruthless. A Diabolic is powerful. A Diabolic has a single task: Kill in order to protect the person you’ve been created for.
Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side, but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.
When the power-mad Emperor learns Sidonia’s father is participating in a rebellion, he summons Sidonia to the Galactic court. She is to serve as a hostage. Now, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her. Nemesis travels to the court disguised as Sidonia—a killing machine masquerading in a world of corrupt politicians and two-faced senators’ children. It’s a nest of vipers with threats on every side, but Nemesis must keep her true abilities a secret or risk everything.
As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns there is something more to her than just deadly force. She finds a humanity truer than what she encounters from most humans. Amidst all the danger, action, and intrigue, her humanity just might be the thing that saves her life—and the empire
🌟🌟🌟🌟
4 Stars
** Received an ARC from Simon and Schuster Canada for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion at all.**
First Line:
Everyone believed Diabolics were fearless, but in my earliest years, all I knew was fear.
Review
COVER 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 PLOT 🌟🌟🌟🌟
CHARACTERS 🌟🌟🌟🌟 ROMANCE 🌟🌟🌟🌟
WRITING 🌟🌟🌟🌟 WORLD 🌟🌟🌟
The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid is an epic Sci-Fi adventure with killer humanoid bodyguards! With a book so jam packed with political intrigue, revenge, murder, and space exploration, you are in for a wild ride!
The Good
The Diabolic has a lot going for it. It’s a great introduction book into the Science Fiction realm if you’re a new reader to that genre. It takes an easy approach to the genre which makes it a straight forward read. I quite enjoyed the reader experience this book offers and I definitely recommend it!
Their are certain characters in this book that I couldn’t help but grow an attachment to. One of them being our main protagonist and resident Diabolic, Nemesis. She was built for one purpose, and only that one purpose, protect her charge (Sidonia). She wasn’t meant to grow feelings, or be anything close to a human being. But things change when she is sent in Sidonia’s place to the Empire. She has some of the best character development in The Diabolic, and is the most fleshed out.
I also grew an attachment to Tyrus, the crazy heir to the empire. I can’t speak too much about him to avoid spoilers, but just know that he is a joy to read and watch develop before our eyes.
I think Kincaid did a fantastic job with writing this book. It was equal bits intriguing, and equal bits captivating to read. I loved the world she built about a society that no longer believes in math and science because they believe that technology is self reliant. They no longer need to know how to create or fix their tech. I thought that was pretty refreshing.
There was so many twists and turns in the plot that I couldn’t put the book down! Definitely worth the read.
The Bad
I only had a few issues with The Diabolic. One being that it was just too grand for one book. There were parts in the book that I thought could have been more fleshed out so we could appreciate it more. This would have been great as a duology, but I respect the decision of the author.
The plot, characters, and world could have been better developed if the story was longer and I think that is the main reason why I couldn’t give this book a 5 star review. I was left with wanting more. More details, more world building, more character development and interactions. Just more.
Finally I felt a bit underwhelmed with the ending. It’s not that it was abrupt or didn’t end well, because there was nothing left open that’s for sure. There were just certain things that occur that I wish went in a different direction. I will leave it that to avoid spoilers!
This would be a great introduction to anyone looking to give science fiction a try! Let me know what you guys thought of The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid! I would love to hear your opinions as well!
Until next time,
TWITTER | GOOD READS | INSTAGRAM | BLOG LOVIN’
#BeDeceivedOrBeDestroyed
S.J. Kincaid was born in Alabama, grew up in California, and attended high school in New Hampshire, but it was while living beside a haunted graveyard in Scotland that she realized that she wanted to be a writer. Her debut, Insignia, came out in July of 2012. The second book in the series, Vortex was released in July of 2013. The final book in the trilogy, Catalyst, came out October 28, 2014. Her standalone novel The Diabolic will be released in fall 2016.
![The Diabolic | Waiting on Wednesday [#27]](https://booksatdawn.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/waiting-on-wednesday.gif?w=600&h=510&crop=1)
The Diabolic | Waiting on Wednesday [#27]
Hey guys!
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights highly anticipated upcoming releases.
So here’s what I’m waiting on this week!
The Diabolic
Author: S.J. Kincaid
Series: Standalone
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young
Publication Date: November 1st 2016
Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side, but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.
When the power-mad Emperor learns Sidonia’s father is participating in a rebellion, he summons Sidonia to the Galactic court. She is to serve as a hostage. Now, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her. Nemesis travels to the court disguised as Sidonia—a killing machine masquerading in a world of corrupt politicians and two-faced senators’ children. It’s a nest of vipers with threats on every side, but Nemesis must keep her true abilities a secret or risk everything.
As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns there is something more to her than just deadly force. She finds a humanity truer than what she encounters from most humans. Amidst all the danger, action, and intrigue, her humanity just might be the thing that saves her life—and the empire.
Why I’m Waiting
I was given an ARC for review for this book and I am dying to start reading it. It has all the elements of a book that I love. Ruthless protagonist, robots, space, killing etc. This one is going to be EPIC!
P.S. S.J. Kincaid is the author of the Insignia trilogy!
What has you guys waiting this week? Let me know down below!
Until next time,
August 2016 Book Haul
Hey guys!
Here are all the books I got in August! There is quite a few to get through. I’m super excited about this month’s haul.
So let’s get started shall we?
INDIGO
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
BMV Used Books
Harley’s Greatest Hits by Paul Dini
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
#IndigoFallPreview
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
Run by Kody Keplinger
The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Book Depository
Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes (GERMAN)
Rebel Spring by Morgan Rhodes (GERMAN)
Gathering Darkness by Morgan Rhodes (GERMAN)
Giveaways Won
Frostfire by Amanda Hocking (SIGNED)
Ice Kissed by Amanda Hocking (SIGNED)
Crystal Kingdom by Amanda Hocking (SIGNED)
ARCs
Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
Moon Chosen by P.C. Cast (St. Martin’s Griffin)
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon (Delacorte Press)
The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid (Simon & Schuster Canada)
Fate of Flames by Sarah Raughley (Simon & Schuster Canada)
Wrecked by Maria Padian (Algonquin Young Readers)
Ninth City Burning by J. Patrick Black (Ace)
Boy Robot by Simon Curtis (Simon & Schuster Canada)
History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera (Soho Teen)
That was definitely a big month for me! Did you guys pick up any of these books too? See you next month!
Until next time,
Weekly Cover Reveal Recap | Mar 28 – Apr 2
Hey guys!
Here are the covers that were revealed during the week of Mar 28 – Apr 2. Click the author to hop on over to their GoodReads page to add it to you’re TBR!
CONTEMPORARY
Wired Man and Other Freaks of Nature by Sashi Kaufman
Published by Carolrhoda Lab
September 1st 2016
Wired Man and Other Freaks of Nature is a captivating and compelling story about the shifting dynamics between two best friends during their senior year in high school, as their loyalty to each other is tested by betrayal, secrets, girls, and the complex art of growing up.
Something in Between by Melissa De La Cruz
Published by Harlequin Teen
September 27th 2016
The story centers on the daughter of Filipino immigrants, who is living the American dream until she learns that her family is in the U.S. illegally and may be deported.
It’s Not Me, It’s You by Stephanie Kate Strohm
Published by Point
October 25th 2016
Avery Dennis is a high school senior and one of the most popular girls in her class. But a majorly public breakup with the guy she’s been dating causes some disastrous waves. It is right before prom and Avery no longer has the perfect date. She runs the prom committee, how could she not show up with somebody?
FANTASY
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor (Strange the Dreamer #1)
Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers
September 27th 2016
Strange the Dreamer is the story of:the aftermath of a war between gods and men
a mysterious city stripped of its name
a mythic hero with blood on his hands
a young librarian with a singular dream
a girl every bit as perilous as she is imperiled
alchemy and blood candy, nightmares and godspawn, moths and monsters, friendship and treachery, love and carnage.Welcome to Weep.
Moon Chosen by P.C. Cast (Tales of a New World #1)
Published by St. Martin’s Griffin
October 18th 2016
Mari is an Earth Walker, heir to the unique healing powers of her Clan; but she has cast her duties aside, until she is chosen by a special animal ally, altering her destiny forever. When a deadly attack tears her world apart, Mari reveals the strength of her powers and the forbidden secret of her dual nature as she embarks on a mission to save her people. It is not until Nik, the son of the leader from a rival, dominating clan strays across her path, that Mari experiences something she has never felt before…
Sci-Fi
The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid
Published by Simon & Schuster
November 1st 2016
A Diabolic is ruthless. A Diabolic is powerful. A Diabolic has a single task: Kill in order to protect the person you’ve been created for.
Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side, but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.
Well that’s it for this week! Are you looking forward to any of these books? Let me know in the comments below! Stay tuned for next weeks cover reveals!
Until next time,
Books at Dawn 